Accelerated Parole Bill Irresponsible

OTTAWA - The Green Party is disappointed by bill C-53 introduced by the government on Monday and calling on opposition parties to begin voting against the Conservatives' crime agenda.

"The opposition parties in the House are standing idly by as this Conservative government runs roughshod over our criminal justice legislation," said Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader. "It is becoming increasingly apparent that only the Green Party of Canada has a responsible, evidence-based plan for tackling crime in this country."

The Green Party is calling for public policy that is grounded in solid evidence and prudent fiscal management. They are pointing to reports indicating that increases in incarceration rates and the length of sentences does not lead to greater public safety, just greater spending on correctional facilities.

"Many offenders are currently released with little or no community support and bill C-53 would ensure more unsupervised releases. It is time for the federal government to ensure that there is stable, long-term funding in place for programs that hold offenders accountable upon release," said Jared Giesbrecht, Green Party Justice Critic. "Post-release supervision and support has proven to be one of the most fiscally prudent and effective ways to make sure that offenders do not enter into re-offending cycles."

"A genuine transformation of our correctional system will come through public policies designed to entrench a culture of respect for human rights while at the same time enhancing communities' ability to hold offenders accountable," said Mr. Giesbrecht.

The Green Party is committed to:

Increasing funding for the use of restorative justice programs for first time non-violent offenders, in which wrongdoers make reparation to victims and their community.

Supporting an effective system of graduated and supervised release into communities in order to substantially reduce rates of re-offending.

Working with the provinces to ensure stable funding for organizations that provide much needed support for those who have been harmed by violent crime.

Focusing upon education and meaningful work for offenders in order that they might pay at least part of the costs of their crime and housing in jail as well as prepare for reintegration into society upon their release.

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca